Minnesota United FC got probably its biggest victory of the season Saturday night, and it came in dramatic fashion.
Daniel Mendes scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to give the Loons a 2-1 road victory over the first-place Ottawa Fury in front of nearly 7,000 fans at TD Place.
The Fury (7-1-1 in fall season) had a 12-match unbeaten streak ended. The streak begain in the spring season.
Christian Ramirez gave United (3-2-3) a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute with his seventh goal in seven matches — one shy of the NASL record for goals in consecutive games.
"He keeps finding new ways to score," Loons coach Manny Lagos said. "He really set the tone for the game."
But the Loons, as they have so often this season, gave up a late tying goal. This time Andrew Wiedeman, after a failed clearing attempt, scored in the 73rd minute for Ottawa.
It looked as if United would have to settle for a tie until Mendes' goal on a 25-yard free kick. His shot into the upper right corner caromed off the post.
"Getting back in the win column was huge," Lagos said. "We played well against a team who was on a great run, and had to grind out a late win."
